Amanda Dinwiddie, who is the euthanasia technician at Ardmore Animal Shelter, added: ‘They have really noticeable characteristics like their knobby legs, knees, very short legged dogs and their coats.’

An autopsy has been carried out on Ms Garcia’s body, with the results yet to be released.

Police have not arrested anyone yet but continue to investigate.

Reports suggested six of the dogs were standard dachshund and terrier mix and the remaining one was a border collie mix.